World Kindness Day was first introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. Since then, it has been observed on November 13th every year by dozens of countries. The mission of this day is promoting a Kinder World. Here in the Center for Community Engagement, we strive every day to promote positive social change and develop students who are “active citizens of enhanced character, sensitive to the needs of the community, competent and committed to their ability to contribute to a global society.”

Members of our office are individuals who promote this mission through their work, words, and actions. Here is what Kindness means to some of them.

“Kindness to me means having a disposition that shows that you have a concern for others. I think a society requires it to move forward in a positive way.”

-Charlie Whitaker, Project Coordinator-Media and Communication, CASL

“Appreciating others and showing love and respect.”

-Alex Johnson, Director of Community Involvement and Service

“Kindness to me means making a concerted effort to think of others in the way we act and use our words. We must show empathy. Kindness without empathy is an empty promise to make the world better.”

-Katy Warfield, Student Coordinator for Special Projects, CIS

“Caring about someone, doing something, having empathy, listening, and understanding. It’s all these things. It’s not a handout, but rather a hand up. It’s thinking of ways to make a positive impact and make a difference.”

-Dr. Kathy Nordyke, Director of Citizenship and Service-Learning

Sharing compassionate words. Serving at your local community garden. Adopting a family for the holidays. Recycling rather than trashing. Giving a smile to someone who needs it. Kindness has many forms and is not just for one day. Spread kindness & love every day and you may start to see some changes.

Now, what does Kindness mean to you?